Fête de Calenzana
Calenzana Patron Saint Festival in honor of Santa Restituta
About Fête de Calenzana
The Calenzana Festival, known locally as Fiera di Santa Restituta, is the patron saint festival of the village of Calenzana, in Balagne (Haute-Corse). It honors Santa Restituta, patron saint of Calenzana and all of Balagne since her proclamation by Pope John Paul II in 1984. The festival is held annually on the weekend following May 21st at the Sainte-Restitude chapel, combining religious celebrations, Corsican traditions, a local produce market, free concerts, and family entertainment.
The Fiera di Santa Restituta in Calenzana
The Calenzana Festival or Fiera di Santa Restituta is the patron saint festival of the village of Calenzana, in Balagne (Haute-Corse). It celebrates Santa Restituta, a young Roman martyr from the early 4th century, whose relics rest in the chapel named after her at the exit of the village, on the road to Zilia.
Unparalleled Devotion in Balagne
Santa Restituta is the patron saint of Calenzana and all of Balagne, a status officially recognized in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. Local devotion is such that many women in the village bear the name Restituta from generation to generation. Legend has it that after her martyrdom in Carthage around 304, her body was brought back by a boat guided by a donkey to Olmia, the ancient Calenzana. The saint is also credited with having protected the village from the plague.
A Festival Organized by Cal'in Festa
The association Cal'in Festa has been organizing the Fiera di Santa Restituta since 2009. Since 2023, it has partnered with the youth association Allegria Calinzaninca to share the organization. The program combines religious ceremonies (solemn mass, procession of the statue of Santa Restituta), traditional entertainment, workshops, demonstrations, free concerts, a craft market of regional products, and a funfair for children.
An Intergenerational Gathering
The Fiera di Santa Restituta brings together Calenzanais and visitors around sharing, tradition, and spirituality. The village is adorned with thousands of small lights and flowers along the procession route. The Monday following the festival is traditionally a public holiday in Calenzana, marking the deep attachment of the commune to its patron saint.
Fête de Calenzana — edition 2026
The Fiera di Santa Restituta 2026 (Calenzana Festival) will be held on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Sainte-Restitude chapel in Calenzana. This patron saint festival brings together the people of Calenzana and visitors from all over Balagne around Santa Restituta, the patron saint of the village and Balagne.
Fiera di Santa Restituta 2026 — May Edition
The 2026 edition of the Calenzana Festival / Fiera di Santa Restituta will take place on May 23 and 24, 2026, as every year on the weekend following May 21 (liturgical day of Santa Restituta). Organized by the Cal'in Festa association in partnership with the youth association Allegria Calinzaninca, this edition perpetuates a tradition deeply rooted in the village.
A program combining tradition and conviviality
As with every edition, the Fiera combines religious ceremonies (solemn mass in the parish church, procession of the statue of Santa Restituta to the chapel), traditional Corsican entertainment, free concerts, a market of regional products and artisanal crafts, workshops and demonstrations, as well as a funfair for children. The village is adorned with thousands of small lights and flowers along the route.
Location and access
Most of the festivities take place around the Sainte-Restitude chapel, on the Zilia road, at the exit of the village. The solemn mass is held at the parish church of Calenzana. Free entry to all activities.
Highlights Fête de Calenzana 2026
- Traditional patron saint festival of Calenzana in honor of Santa Restituta
- Solemn mass and procession of the statue of Santa Restituta
- Market of regional products and Corsican artisans
- Free concerts and traditional entertainment
- Funfair for children
- Free entry to all activities
- Organized by the Cal'in Festa association and Allegria Calinzaninca
Prices Fête de Calenzana 2026
Practical information — Fête de Calenzana
Practical Information
Location
Sainte-Restitude Chapel, Route de Zilia, 20214 Calenzana. The chapel is located at the exit of the village towards Zilia, in Balagne (Haute-Corse).
Access
Calenzana is approximately 13 km from Calvi via the D151. Parking is available near the site; plan to arrive early due to crowds during the Fiera weekend. Nearest airport: Calvi-Sainte-Catherine.
Prices
Free admission to all Fiera entertainment, concerts, and activities. The craft market offers local products for sale.
Calendar
The Fiera di Santa Restituta is held annually on the weekend following May 21st (liturgical feast of Santa Restituta), from Saturday to Sunday.
Contact
For more information, contact the Cal'in Festa association or Calenzana town hall. Calvi-Balagne Intercommunal Tourist Office: 04 95 65 16 67.
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Where does it take place — Fête de Calenzana
Chapelle Sainte-Restitude
Route de Zilia, 20214 Calenzana, 20214 Calenzana